“Just be sure they don’t get into Mee-Maw’s prized chickens.” Mom takes my arm as we walk slowly toward the house. “You know how she is about those birds.”
After I moved to LA, my parents sold our old house and added about two-thousand square feet to my grandmother’s little cottage near the bay. Dad said they were going to have to move in with her eventually, so it just made sense.
My grandmother was on cloud nine, because she’s always loved my dad. Everybody loves my dad, the six-foot-four former star-NFL-player turned sheriff of Newhope.
“Is that my Gigi?” The screen door slams, and I take off running to jump on his back, hugging him around the neck. “Aw—I think you’ve gotten heavier!” he teases.
Laughing, I squeeze him tighter. “If I’m getting heavy, you’re getting old!”
“Sassy.” He shakes his head, poking my ribs. “Just like your mamma.”
I jump down, wrapping my arms around his waist as we walk to the house. Much like Gavin and Lucy, he was my first big teddy bear, and he has a special place in my heart. He’s also overprotective as hell, which kind of makes me want to tell him about Baxter.
Maybe Dad could stuff him in a dumpster, which is right where he belongs. Owen, on the other hand…
“So we’re marrying off our first baby this weekend.” He shakes his head. “Who knew Haddy would be the one breaking the seal, after all the fuss her dad made about marriage and babies and poop.”
“I think he said the same thing, Uncle Grizz!” Haddy walks up beside us, holding a sleeping Lucy on her shoulder.
“Oh, let me have that little sweet potato.” Mom takes the baby, and Haddy takes my hand.
“Is this the same fella who showed up at Christmas last year?” Dad squints an eye at her, and she nods rapidly, reminding me a bit of Maddie.
“He sure is.” My cousin beams, and it makes me laugh. “Gavin Knight.”
We’re at the house, and Dad straightens, expanding his chest the way Mav likes to do when he’s acting tough. “I remember that guy. Where is he anyway?”
“He just left with Mav to spend the night at Aunt Dylan’s house,” I explain. “They’re trying to be traditional, of all things.”
“They have a baby?” Dad asks, and I nod. “And they went on their honeymoon to Japan last month?” I nod again. “And now they want to be traditional?”
“Just go with it Pop.” I slap his shoulder, and he chuckles.
We continue into the large house, and I go straight to where my grandmother and mom are swooning over Lucy. Haddy carries our luggage to the foot of the stairs before joining us.
“She looks just like you did as a baby, Hads.” Mom reaches out to hold my cousin’s hand. “I’m so happy y’alldecided to have the wedding here. Now we can all be together.”
“That’s what I wanted.” Haddy puts her head on my mom’s shoulder. “Growing up in LA, I looked forward to our visits here so much. It just seemed right.”
“You could’ve told me that sooner,” I grumble, not really mad.
Having the wedding in Newhope makes everything so much easier. For starters, I have an additional five people helping me, my four aunts and Clint, who’s an actual,professionalwedding planner.
“I don’t know why you all have to rush back on Saturday,” Dad grumbles, and I reach out to hold his hand.
“The guys have to play, and I’ve got dog shows. But we’ll be back at Christmas.”
“Let’s get you ladies some dinner.” Mee-Maw hops off the couch, heading for the kitchen. “It’s ten here, but I know it’s only seven for you. I’ve got shrimp and grits warming on the stove.”
Haddy and I are both on our feet when she says the wordgrits, heading for the kitchen.
Dinner consumed…inhaled?, Lucy fed, everyone showered, Haddy and I decide to share one of the guest rooms upstairs.
I’m just snuggling under the blankets when my phone buzzes with a text that stops my heart.
Owen
Hey, just checking on Ladybird.
